Guy Quenneville · CBC News

· Posted: Jun 29, 2026 2:45 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 30

Ottawa police say they are investigating a murder-suicide that has left two children and their father dead.

In a news release, Ottawa police said officers conducting a wellness check around 10 a.m. Monday found the bodies of two boys, ages 7 and 12, inside a home on Mandevilla Crescent in the south Ottawa neighbourhood of Findlay Creek.

Police are not yet releasing any names.

"We're trying to give the family a little bit of time ... prior to identifying the identity of the deceased," Supt. Jamie Dunlop said during a news conference outside Ottawa Police Service headquarters on Monday afternoon.

The man's body was found inside a vehicle that was reported on fire earlier Monday morning at a carpool lot north of Kemptville, Ont., about 55 kilometres south of Ottawa.

This vehicle was towed away from the carpool lot on Monday afternoon. A fire extinguisher could be seen nearby. (Mathieu Deroy/CBC)

Dunlop said police intend to interview the children's mother, who was divorced from the man.

A person other than the boys' mother asked police to perform the wellness check when no one answered the door at the home in Findlay Creek, according to Dunlop.

"Obviously it’s a very tragic incident for the families, the friends, neighbours," he said. "Certainly when children are involved, it’s extra difficult to understand."

There are other children "associated" with the family, but Dunlop said police are "confident that they're all in good care at the moment."

"There are no words to describe this immeasurable loss. My thoughts are with everyone grieving today, especially the family and their close friends," Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe stated in a social media post.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also expressed condolences, writing in a post that he was "deeply disturbed" by the incident.

3rd scene in Iroquois, Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were at the carpool scene as well the scene of a fire at a dental office on County Road 2 in Iroquois, Ont., about 80 kilometres south of Ottawa.

The fire was reported at 2 a.m. There were no injuries, OPP said.

Photos and videos from the scene show heavy damage to the building (which has residential units above), including a pile of broken masonry. Police tape surrounds the damaged area.

A dental office in Iroquois, Ont., was damaged by fire Monday. Police believe that scene is connected to the murder-suicide. (Arthur White-Crummey/CBC)

J.G. Menard lives in the building and said he was woken up by a loud bang.

"It was just a big explosion," he said.

Both the carpool scene and the building scene are believed to be connected to the investigation, which Ottawa police called "ongoing and complex."

On Mandevilla Crescent, where the boys' bodies were found, area resident Desire Omofoma said he returned home from work Monday to find the police scene and soon learned what happened.

"It didn't feel real, you know, to be so close to home," he said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help:

• Canada'sSuicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling onthe website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention:Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
• This guide from theCentre for Addiction and Mental Healthoutlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.

If you're worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it, says the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Here are some warning signs: 

• Suicidal thoughts.
• Substance use.
• Purposelessness.
• Anxiety.
• Feeling trapped.
• Hopelessness and helplessness.
• Withdrawal.
• Anger.
• Recklessness.
• Mood changes.